Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake finds himself embroiled in a troubling controversy as he has been arrested on match-fixing charges. The ex-cricketer took a significant step in this ongoing legal case by surrendering to the Special Investigation Unit of the Sports Ministry.
Sachinthra Senanayake stands accused of attempting to manipulate matches during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) and is alleged to have contacted two fellow cricketers via telephone from Dubai to conspire in match-fixing activities.
These grave allegations have cast a shadow over Senanayake’s once-respected cricket career. The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court had imposed a travel ban on Senanayake back in August 2023 following an investigation into these serious accusations. The move came after the Attorney General instructed the Sports Ministry’s Special Investigation Unit to initiate criminal proceedings against him.
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Senanayake, aged 38, vehemently denies the charges, categorically dismissing them as unfounded and part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish not only his reputation but also that of his family. During his tenure as a cricketer, Senanayake represented Sri Lanka in one Test match, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20 Internationals between 2012 and 2016.
Former Sri Lanka off spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been arrested for match fixing charges. Senanayake has surrendered to the Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lannka Sports Ministry.
He has been accused of fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) and contacting… pic.twitter.com/qqC45mg61r
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) September 6, 2023
He was renowned for his skillful off-spin bowling and remarkable control over line and length, especially when delivering carrom balls. His exceptional ability to bowl the carrom ball with pinpoint accuracy set him apart. In total, he claimed 53 wickets in ODIs and 25 wickets in T20s.
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In the domestic cricket scene in Sri Lanka, Senanayake consistently showcased top-tier performance, accumulating an impressive tally of 567 wickets in 112 first-class matches, a testament to his bowling prowess. However, this controversy threatens to overshadow his on-field accomplishments. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, cricket enthusiasts and the general public await the resolution of this high-profile case with bated breath.
